Respiratory Alkalosis - Causes

a) Big three to remember are: hypoxia, agitation, and compensation for metabolic acidosis

b) More obscure causes: pregnancy, liver failure, CNS pathology, salicylates, GNR sepsis

c) As Dr. Strong pointed out, remember that PE can cause respiratory alkalosis in the absence of hypoxia

(Christopher Woo MD, 12/14/10)